Voices of Second Chances
At the Pitzer Family Education Foundation, we believe education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of incarceration. These stories come directly from parolees who’ve used our scholarships, career training, and support to build new paths forward. Hear, in their own words, how opportunity can transform lives – and why investing in education means investing in safer, stronger communities for everyone.
Ciara | Scaffold Builder Graduate
My name is Ciara, and I’m thankful for the opportunity the Pitzer Family Education Foundation has given me. This program has helped me gain knowledge about the plant and construction industry and work toward my NCCER certification. They provide resources, guidance, and real opportunities for people who want to better themselves.
What means the most to me is that this program gives people who may have been in trouble in the past a real second chance at life. Instead of being judged for our past, we are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future.
Through this program, I’ve not only gained construction knowledge, but I’ve also built stronger people skills and more confidence in myself. I’m grateful for the doors the Pitzer Family Education Foundation has opened for me and others who just needed a chance to do better.
Jennifer | Scaffold Builder Graduate
“Attending the Scaffold Builder Program at ABC of Southeast Texas Trade School was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my future. The training was hands-on, practical, and taught by instructors who truly care about safety, skill, and preparing us for real job-site conditions.
The program gave me the confidence to work efficiently, follow safety standards, and take pride in the quality of my work. I left not only with strong scaffold-building skills but with the discipline and mindset needed to succeed in the trades.
Thanks to Pitzer Family Education Foundation and ABC Construction Training Center of Southeast Texas, I’m ready for the field — and I’m excited to continue advancing my career by pursuing carpentry next. This school opened doors for me, and I’m grateful for the foundation it has given me.”
Carlos | Carpentry Graduate
Attending this ABC school has been a real game-changer for me. The instructors are patient and knowledgeable, breaking down complex techniques so they’re easy to understand. I’ve gained hands-on skills and confidence that I can already use on real projects. I’m grateful for the supportive environment and the opportunities it’s opened for my career. Thank you Pitzer Family Education Foundation for giving me the opportunity to obtain this trade!
Cody | Carpentry Graduate
I am thankful for this opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge that will enhance my prospects of securing a career. The Pitzer Family Education Foundation scholarship program provided me with the skills essential for my chosen career path.
Hayden | Scaffold Graduate
I was incarcerated at an early age. Before I was able to gain any real work experience or skills. I felt like a lost cause that nobody would give a chance. Then I met Marsha, and she told me about Pitzer Family Education Foundation. The foundation enrolled me on a trade certificate course at ABC Training Academy and I was so excited about getting a chance to better my circumstances. The course was hard at first and I wanted to give up, but Marsha encouraged me to keep going. Now I am finished with the class. I have gained skills, but most important, I have gained the chance for a better life. Thank you Pitzer for showing me my worth.
Zechariah | Carpentry Graduate
Hi, my name is Zechariah and I would like to give a huge shout out and thank you to Mrs. Marsha and the Pitzer Family Education Foundation for giving me the opportunity and skills needed to open up doors for my future, it has truly been a blessing to be involved with Pitzer Family Education Foundation so if you feel you are in a rut or like all the doors for your future are being slammed shut in front of you then I encourage you to get in touch with Mrs. Marsha and let her help you to get the ball rolling by learning a trade craft or skill so you can kick those closed doors wide open.
Theo | Scaffold Graduate
I want to thank Mrs. Marsha, Pitzer Family Education Foundation and ABC Training Academy program. This has truly been a blessing to me, and I will not take it for granted. This is an opportunity from God praying for this.
Christian | Scaffold Graduate
Pitzer Family Education Foundation-PFEF, has helped me open up new doors in my life! Thanks to them and their assistance I have gained my NCCER and scaffolding certification. I am also pursuing Industrial carpentry through them to further advance my working career and further job opportunities.
Though the changes in my life are credited to God. Through them He’s opened great doors of opportunity for me for a better future and career. I encourage anyone to take the time and look into PFEF. This is a terrific opportunity and resource for people of all kinds looking for change, opportunities, and growth! I am so thankful and grateful for PFEF! The people were kind, understanding, and extremely helpful going through the process and I highly recommend PFEF to anyone! Thank you, Jesus for leading me to these great people! Thank you, PFEF for being a valuable resource in inspiring to see others be great!
Jamizion | Scaffold Graduate
Hi, my name is Jamizion. Pitzer Family Education Foundation and ABC Training Academy helped me become a better person because it helped me want to stay consistent and work hard they taught me how to build scaffolds they also taught me about different types of scaffolds so I want to give a big thanks for them helping me become the person I am today.
Linsey | Pipefitting Graduate
I started training 3 1/2 – 4 years ago and must say it has been an incredible journey thus far. Before I started, I did not know what I really wanted to do in life, but with my age catching up to me I had to decide. With the help of Pitzer family education Foundation, I was able to join the pipefitting class with Associated Builders & Contractors at ABC Training Center. Now 4 years later, I am still here and finally graduating, so I would like to thanks and give a big shout out to Pitzer Family Education Foundation and ABC Training Center and remember with GOD all things are possible.
Glenn | Carpentry Graduate
Thanks for the opportunity to get Training for my future. The teachers were impressive and helpful throughout the course. And very understanding. Kenneth was also extremely easy to have a good relationship with. I have learned a lot to help me with my future goals. Thank you PFEF for providing the financial support for this program.
Cherish | Scaffold Graduate
I’m very grateful and thankful for this scaffolding training at ABC. I think it will take me to great heights in life because it has taught me a trade of something. I never thought I would do it. This will take me to a better place in life. I have learned so much in a short period of time, and I’m very thankful for this experience. You all are wonderful people and I’m so grateful for y’all. I want to give a big thanks to my instructor for pushing me to my limit. Thank you PFEF for providing this opportunity for me.
Salome | Scaffold Graduate
ABC training taught me how to build scaffolds and showed me how buildings are started off being built and I appreciate the instructor for taking the time out to make sure this job is what I am interested in making it to the next chapter of my life and I would recommend this program to anyone who wants a good career in scaffolding. Thank you, Pitzer Family Education Foundation for making this happen for me.
Christopher | Scaffold Graduate
First of all, give all praise to the highest. I would like to thank Ms. Marsha Rivera and Ms. Williams of the Pitzer Family Education Foundation. It is amazing to have these loving people to help with easing worry and stress. They do a wonderful job by helping people with a list of resources that will enable you to get back on track.
When I was released from prison, I did not have a clue about what or how I was going to get my life together. I made a phone call to Ms. Marsha at the Pitzer Family Education Foundation and got an amazing resume. The resume included all my credentials that I thought I had lost while I was away. They even helped me get my T.W.I.C. replacement card and provided me with so many jobs’ leads.
I am now on my way to putting my NCCER in Scaffold Building to wonderful use. It is all thanks to Ms. Marsha & Ms. Williams.
Help Us Reach More
The foundation’s ability to change lives is only limited by the resources we can deploy. Your support directly funds scholarships and guidance for children of the incarcerated and returning citizens—turning second chances into thriving futures.